Preston City Council calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

At an Extraordinary Council meeting called today (22 November 2023), Preston councillors overwhelmingly backed a Notice of Motion for an immediate ceasefire in the region of Gaza by all parties and the unconditional release of all hostages and will lobby the Government accordingly.

The Council also resolved that the Leader and the Chief Executive write to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to:

• Support the upholding of international law, with appropriate investigation and accountability for breaches.
• Support the unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza to alleviate the unacceptable levels of human suffering in the region.
• Use the UK Resettlement Scheme to allow a route to safety for the most vulnerable in Gaza with emergency pathways for those seeking refuge from the conflict.
• Endorse a serious and concerted reinvigoration of international efforts for a two-state solution.

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council said:

"Our actions today add our name as a city to the many wanting an immediate ceasefire and to support the international community in delivering a peaceful solution for the region. It is a simple message of peace. This corresponds with the agreement today around a pause in hostilities we all welcome and hopefully is a first step in that direction.

"The ongoing conflict is having a deep and emotional impact on our communities here in Preston who have friends and relatives in the region. We send our compassion and empathy internationally, and offer support to anyone affected here at home in our communities."

In the city of Preston, the Leader reiterated the Council's commitment to:

• Work with all our communities including Muslim and Jewish communities to commemorate the loss of lives in the region through a public commemoration or memorial in consultation with the Faith Covenant.
• Build on existing efforts to raise awareness of, and challenge all forms of racism including Antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism.
• Work with Preston City of Sanctuary to support any refugees fleeing the region and help them to adapt to life in our city.